Policy Analysis

The Kurds Can Fight: Now They Need to Govern

Getting governance right is the only way to prevent future waves of terrorism and warlordism, making efforts toward that end a matter of Iraqi and U.S. national security.

Unhappy with Iraq as their home, Kurds have fought successive Iraqi regimes since being annexed to the new state in 1926. The war against ISIS has produced a new crop of young military commanders, emboldened both by their bravery and international military support. Yes, the Kurds can fight, but can they govern as efficiently? The next generation of leaders should not just be picked on the basis of its war record, but instead for its ability to fight "the other war" against lack of economic opportunity and development...

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